Gorges to hold 'First Day' Hike

Volunteers at Gorges State Park in Sapphire take a break to look at a waterfall after helping clear Bearwallow trail earlier this year. The park will host a 'First Day Hike' starting at 10 a.m. on New Year's Day.

Start off the new year on the right foot. All North Carolina state parks will hold "First Day" hikes to get residents outdoors early this year. Gorges State Park will host a hike starting at 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Bearwallow Picnic Shelter.

Ranger Kevin Bischof will lead the 1.25-mile round-trip hike to Lower Bearwallow Falls and will discuss wildflowers and geology along the way. After he returns to the parking area, Bischof will lead another, easier, one-mile round-trip hike to the Gorges Overlook.

The entrance is off N.C. 281 in Transylvania County. Bring appropriate layers of clothing and sturdy footwear and drinking water. The hikes are suitable for children with some hiking experience.

For more information, call the park at 966-9099 or visit www.ncparks.gov.

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Gorges to hold 'First Day' Hike

Start off the new year on the right foot. All North Carolina state parks will hold 'First Day' hikes to get residents outdoors early this year. Gorges State Park will host a hike starting at 10 a.m.